Lithium battery transportation regulations and operating procedures

Source: VIPUCHINA VC-SCM

 

Lithium battery transportation includes air, ocean and land transportation. The most common application is air transportation and ocean transportation.

 

Because lithium is a metal that is particularly prone to chemical reactions, it is easy to burn and extend. If without improper handling on package and transport, Lithium batteries are flammability and explosion, and accidents sometimes occur. Accidents caused by non-standard handling in packaging and transportation, are taken more and more attention. Many international agencies have issued a number of regulations. And various regulatory agencies have become more stringent, improving operational requirements, and constantly modifying regulations (such as: ITAT modifies the regulations every two years for lithium battery transportation).

I, The basic requirements for lithium battery transportation

 

(1) Lithium batteries and lithium battery groups are classified as Class 9 dangerous goods;

 

(2) All lithium batteries (groups) shall pass the UN38.3 test;

 

(3) Exceptional provisions for the transportation of some Class 9 dangerous goods lithium batteries;

 

(4) Strict restrictions on transport samples;

 

(5) Restrictions on daily-use lithium batteries carried by passengers;

 

(6) All defective batteries or damaged batteries are prohibited from being transported.

 

II, lithium battery transport packaging and requirements on air freight, ocean shipping

 

1. Packaging requirements and documentation requirements

 

(1) Except for exceptions, these batteries must be shipped in accordance with the restrictions in the rules (package instructions applicable to DGR 4.2). They must be placed in the UN specification package as specified in the DGR Dangerous Goods Regulations in accordance with the applicable packaging instructions and the corresponding number on the package.

 

(2) In accordance with the requirements of the package, in addition to the appropriate transport-specific name and UN number mark, the label 9 types of dangerous labels is required also.

 

(3) The shipper must fill out the dangerous goods declaration form and provide the corresponding dangerous package certificate.

 

(4)  The shipper shall provide a transportation appraisal report issued by the certified third institution and display it as a standard-compliant product (including UN38.3 test, 1.2 m drop packaging test).

 

2. Air transportation requirements for lithium batteries

 

(1) The battery shall pass the UN38.3 test requirements and the 1.2 m drop packaging test;

 

(2) The dangerous goods declaration document provided by the shipper, marked with the UN number;

 

(3) All kinds of dangerous goods labels must be affixed to the outer packaging, and the operation label “only for all cargo planes” is attached;

 

(4) It shall be designed to prevent bursting under normal transportation conditions and is equipped with effective measures to prevent external short circuits;

 

(5) Sturdy outer packaging, the battery should be protected against short circuit, and it should be prevented from coming into contact with conductive materials that can cause short circuit in the same package.

 

(6) Additional requirements for battery installation in equipment:

 

The device should be secured to prevent the battery from moving within the package and should be packaged in such a way as to prevent the battery from accidentally starting during transit. The outer packaging should be waterproof or waterproof by using a lining (such as a plastic bag) unless the structural features of the device itself are already waterproof.

 

(7) Lithium batteries should be loaded with pallets to avoid strong vibration during handling, and the vertical and horizontal sides of the trays are protected by corners;

 

(8) The weight of a single package is less than 35kgs;

 

(9) Airline operation note:

 

1. All-cargo transportation only

 

1. Lithium battery air transport information appears on the captain’s notice

 

1. Enhance crew awareness and decision making in emergency situations may change

 

1. Inform the first on-site personnel of the type and quantity of batteries in the cargo hold

 

The US FAA requires lithium batteries to be loaded in the Class C cargo hold of the aircraft. The cargo hold must have a smoke detection system, an alarm system, and a fire suppression system.

 

3. Marine transportation requirements for batteries

 

(1) The battery shall pass the UN38.3 test requirements and the 1.2 m drop packaging test;

 

(2) All types of dangerous goods labels shall be attached to the outer packaging, and the UN number shall be marked;

 

(3) It is designed to prevent bursting under normal transportation conditions and is equipped with effective measures to prevent external short circuits;

 

(4) Sturdy outer packaging, the battery should be protected against short circuit, and it should be prevented from coming into contact with conductive materials that can cause short circuit in the same package;

 

(5) Additional requirements for battery installation in equipment:

 

The equipment should be secured to prevent movement within the package and should be packaged in such a way as to prevent accidental activation during transit. The outer packaging should be waterproof or waterproof by using a lining (such as a plastic bag) unless the structural features of the device itself are already waterproof.

 

(6) Lithium batteries should be loaded with pallets to avoid strong vibration during handling, and the vertical and horizontal sides of the trays are protected by corners;

 

(7) The lithium battery must be reinforced in the container, and the reinforcement method and strength should meet the requirements of the importing country.

 

For example, there are American Railway Association <ARR>, American Dangerous Goods Association, North American Explosives Administration <BOE>, Federal Motor Transport Safety Administration, US Coast Guard, US Department of Transportation and Marine Dangerous Goods Transportation Rules. Relevant regulations), if the consignor neglects to reinforce or improperly rectify, the port will be detained at the port of destination, and there will be high costs such as operation fees, storage fees, transfer fees, and re-reinforcement of the terminal.

 

(8) Exporting to North America requires the labeling of 9 dangerous goods labels at the specified locations around the container.